BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners approved a second amendment to an existing interlocal agreement with Manatee County for hurricane-related repairs to the Bradenton Beach Pier.
The amended interlocal agreement approved by the city commission on March 19 also provides additional funds to enhance the city-owned floating dock located next to the city-owned pier.
A portion of the floating dock is used as a Gulf Islands Ferry landing.
“In addition to the repairs of the Bradenton Beach city pier, the county and city intend to enhance the Bradenton Beach Pier to accommodate the new, larger third water ferry,” the amended interlocal agreement states.
The most recent amendment to the agreement notes the city and county first entered into the interlocal agreement on Jan. 8, 2025, so the city could repair the damage the pier and the floating dock sustained during Hurricane Milton.
The original agreement was amended in May when the original reimbursement amount was increased.
The second amendment to the agreement says, “In order to continue with the city pier enhancements, the county and the city wish to amend the agreement to incorporate additional pier elements and extend the agreement termination date to allow for the city to complete the project.”
The agreement’s termination date is being extended to Sept. 30.
The Hurricane Milton-related repairs include replacing decking, pilings and handrails; repairing the dinghy dock and repairing or replacing the floating docks on the south side of the pier. The total pier repair project costs are not to exceed$375,000 and the county will reimburse the city for the project expenses incurred.
Some of the hurricane repairs have been completed and some repairs remain pending.
Regarding the ferry service enhancements, the amended agreement says, “To accommodate the addition of a third, larger ferry, enhancements to the current docking area are needed. The project includes, but is not limited to, the following: upgrade and extend the fire suppression system on the main fishing pier; add aluminum gussets for angle reinforcement to all finger piers; add mooring piles to the water taxi slip; and add heavy-duty waste receptacles and benches,” the amendment states.
The pending ferry enhancement costs are not to exceed $100,000. The city will incur the original costs and then be reimbursed by the county.
The pier fence enhancement costs that are not to exceed $15,000 are included in the not-to-exceed $100,000 limit for the ferry enhancement costs.
“We are extending our agreement with the county in order to get reimbursed for projects that occurred at the pier,” Police Chief and Public Works Director John Cosby said during the March 19 meeting.
Mayor John Chappie expressed his appreciation for the county’s financial support.
“They have been very good to us,” Chappie said.
